Pegulas to purchase Bills

The Buffalo Bills are expected to remain ... the Buffalo Bills, much to the delight of fans like the ones pictured at The Ralph. (photo by Terry Duffy)

Buffalo Sabres owners Terry and
Kim Pegula are set to become the next owners of the Buffalo Bills.

"Kim and I are humbled and honored
that the Wilson family has chosen us to be the second owner of the Buffalo
Bills," Terry said this afternoon. "Pending the NFL approval process,
being the next owner of the Buffalo Bills would be a great privilege for our
family. Ralph Wilson left an indelible mark on our community and we will
strive every day to honor his legacy.

"Our interest in owning the Bills
has everything to do with the people of Western New York and our passion for
football. We have knowledgeable, dedicated fans here and, along with our
ownership of the Buffalo Sabres, it is gratifying to reassure these great fans
that two franchises so important to our region are both here to stay.

"We are grateful to Sen. Chuck
Schumer and Gov. Andrew Cuomo for their support and desire to keep our Bills in
Western New York where they belong, and to our team of professional advisers at
Allen & Company and Sherrard, German & Kelly. We would also like
to thank the staffs of the NFL and the Bills for helping to guide us through
the sale process. We now look ahead to the NFL review process in
accordance with league policy. If awarded final approval, we will be driven to
achieve a singular goal: To win a Super Bowl for our fans.

"Out of respect for the continuing
sale process, until league approval is attained, we will have no further
comment."

Both media outlets said the next
step is for the new owners to gain approval from the NFL. The sale is expected to be finalized in the next few
weeks.

WGRZ referenced a CBS Sports
report, which estimated price tag for the Bills at between $1.1 and $1.4
billion.

The Pegulas beat out two other
groups submitting bids to purchase the Bills: one led by celebrity real estate
developer and TV personality Donald Trump, and a second submitted by a Toronto
group partnering with rock 'n' roll legend Jon Bon Jovi.

Terry and Kim vowed to keep the
Bills in Western New York, which made them the popular choice to purchase the
team.

The Bills released a statement
on the team website that read, in part, "The process for the sale of the Buffalo Bills has taken a
significant step forward today as a definitive agreement has been reached
between the trust of the late Pro Football Hall of Famer Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.
and the Pegula family, owners of the Buffalo Sabres and lead developers of
Buffalo's HARBORCENTER.

"Subject to the approval of the
NFL owners and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the definitive
agreement calls for the Pegula family to acquire all of the interest in the
Buffalo Bills franchise from the Wilson trust. The parties intend to submit the
agreement for approval by the NFL owners at their meeting in New York City on
Oct. 8."

Congressman Brian Higgins said, "Western
New York is cheering the news that Terry and Kim Pegula will be the next owners
of the Buffalo Bills. The Pegulas have been the clear fan-favorite to carry the
ball, following the distinguished 55-year tenure of the franchise founder
Wilson family. The Pegulas' genuine love for this community is
palpable. With their waterfront investment in HARBORCENTER, Terry and Kim
Pegula have been a part of remaking Buffalo. We welcome their leadership
contributing to continued momentum driving pride in our teams and in our
community."

Congressman Chris Collins
applauded the Pegulas.

"I want to extend my
congratulations to the Pegula family on their tentative agreement to purchase
the Buffalo Bills," he said. "I know the Pegulas will continue the
proud legacy the Wilson family established, and will ensure that our beloved Buffalo
Bills remain in Western New York. The Buffalo Bills are a proud symbol of
the incredible spirit and people that live in our region. With the
leadership of the Pegula family, the Buffalo Bills and our entire region are
back in the winning column. Go Bills - and 'Squish the Fish.' "

Cuomo said, "From day one, keeping
the Bills in Buffalo has been one of our administration's top priorities, and
reports that Terry and Kim Pegula have been chosen as the team's new owners
highlight a tremendous step toward making that goal a reality. The Bills are an
integral part of Western New York, from its economy to its culture and, as the
team's new owners, the Pegulas will ensure that the Bills remain at the core of
the region's identity - just as the late Ralph Wilson Jr. did for 54 years.
Terry and Kim have already shown their commitment to the region through the
Buffalo Sabres and the construction of the HARBORCENTER development, and I look
forward to working with them in the years to come to keep the Bills in Buffalo,
where they belong."

On his Facebook page, Schumer wrote,
"Today's announcement is great news for Western New York, the Bills, and their
passionate fans, who will now be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief. The
Pegulas are the perfect choice to carry on Ralph Wilson's indelible legacy -
like Ralph, they have a true commitment to Western New York, are people of
serious integrity, and will be excellent owners. Most importantly, based on
extensive conversations I have had with Terry over the past few months, he and
Kim are deeply committed to keeping the Buffalo Bills in Western New York for
generations to come.

"I commend the Bills' leadership,
and especially Mrs. Wilson and Jeff Littman, for selecting the Pegulas, and for
the thought and care they put into this entire sale process. I look forward to
working with Terry and Kim in the weeks, months, and years ahead to ensure a
speedy confirmation by the NFL and to help keep the Bills playing - and winning
- in Western New York for many, many years to come."